Bahlil: I Will Brush Illegal Mines In West Papua

MANOKWARI - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia said he would immediately deploy a task force to control all mining activities illegally in West Papua Province.

"I want to deploy the illegal mining arrangement task force," said Bahlil, quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, November 8, when opening the Regional Conference IV of the West Papua Golkar Party DPD in Manokwari, Saturday, which was also attended by the Governor of Dominggus Mandacan.

He warned all parties involved in illegal mining practices in West Papua to stop these activities, because it has an impact on natural damage and environmental sustainability.

The formation of the task force has been submitted to President Prabowo Subianto, as well as responding to various mass media reports accusing him of involvement in mining activities without a permit.

"There is a lot of news as if I was involved in an illegal mine. So, I went down directly and if I could, I would brush it," he said.

Bahlil also denied accusations of being affiliated with PT Gag Nickel Arya Aditya who carried out nickel mining activities in Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua, before he entered the cabinet.

The nickel mining activity by PT GAG was carried out after the local regent issued a permit in 2004, which at that time he had not carried out his duties as a state official.

"PT GAG is a work contract from the 70s and the regent's latest permit came out in 2004. That year I have not been an official," he explained.

He added that he would directly lead the operation of illegal control in West Papua so that the process would run transparently and eliminate potential misunderstandings.

"I myself will lead, so that there are no lies between us," said Bahlil.